Current Events in Asia-Pacific

Apparently, the "Shipwreck" VLS cells are still there... I'm looking forward to this actually getting a new name; I don't like "ex-Varyag". [The title is a pun on "MGM Grand"; a reference to the 'casino' this was apparently being sold to become]

Very interesting and speculative, but based on facts, article: https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://nationalinterest.org/feature/why-the-us-navy-shouldnt-fear-chinas-hunt-red-october-21630&source=gmail&ust=1501110097125000&usg=AFQjCNFfEtWKqAbQBGgPnQWJEI22DnYKrw

From AFP More than 20 killed in Russian nuclear sub accident: spokesman 2 hours ago MOSCOW (AFP) — More than 20 people were killed and another 20 injured when a fire extinguishing system was inadvertently activated aboard a Russian nuclear submarine in the Pacific Ocean, the Russian navy said Sunday. "During sea trials of a nuclear-powered submarine of the Pacific Fleet the firefighting system went off unsanctioned, killing over 20 people, including servicemen and workers," said Captain Igor Dygalo, the navy's spokesman. The accident did not apparently affect the submarine's nuclear reactor. "The submarine is not damaged, its reactor works as normal, a…

From DOD Buzz [excerpt]

http://alert5.com/2012/08/31/photo-first-shenyang-j-16-prototype/comment-page-1/#comment-267727 That looks like an Airfix model - that I've painted.

From http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/138701/lhd-begins-final-leg-of-journey-to-australia.html [excerpt]

Planning for the Future: Conditions of Combined ROK-U.S. Military Intervention in Potential DPRK Contingencies (PDF) (DefenseNews' Intercepts blog)

Significant Food Shortages Likely in North Korea (38 North)

Royal Navy's new supply fleet could be built cheap in China By Clayton Hirst 15 May 2005 Excerpt from The Independent Britain could have its first fleet of naval ships built in China under plans being drawn up by shipbuilder VT Group. The company is preparing to bid to supply the Royal Navy with up to 15 support vessels, in a contract thought to be worth £2bn. But in a bit to reduce costs, VT is exploring the possibility of making the ships' hulls in China. The move would be controversial as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) insists that all warships be assembled in Britain. However, VT believes that because the ships in the so-called Mars programme will be…

Hmm, does this mean a China vs India scenario is no longer "realistic" ? From DefenseNews China, India Sign Military Accord By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, BEIJING China and India signed an agreement May 30 to expand defense ties, the Chinese foreign ministry said, in a deal that is expected to see the neighbors conduct more military training exercises. The memorandum of understanding was signed during a visit by Indian Defense Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told reporters. ”Military exchanges will be an important part of bilateral ties,” Liu said. ”Reinforcement of mutual trust and exchanges will be beneficial for…

From our good friend in the Harpoon world, Chris Carlson: Chinas Eagle Strike-Eight Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles: Designation Confusion and the Family Members from YJ-8 to YJ-8A (Defense Media Network)

NORAD Chief: North Korea Has Ability to Reach U.S. With Nuclear Warhead on Mobile ICBM (USNI News)

Defiant Chinese Admiral’s Message: South China Sea ‘Belongs to China’ (Defense One)

From DefenseNews [excerpt]

The DF-21D or Carrier Killer: An Instrument of Deception? (The Diplomat, Flashpoints)

North Korea's New KN19 Coastal Defense Cruise Missile: More Than Meets the Eye (The Diplomat)

China, Japan Set Naval Port Calls At Defense Talks By Associated Press TOKYO -- Chinese military growth isn't aimed at threatening any state, China's defense chief said in Tokyo on Thursday, as he stressed that Beijing was working to become more transparent about defense matters. Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan's assertions came as the two sides agreed on reciprocal port calls by navy ships, with a Chinese warship to visit Japan as early as November, for the first time since World War II, Japanese defense officials said. Mr. Cao met with senior Japanese officials and made a speech as part of his five-day visit to Japan, which began Wednesday and is …

From Stratfor China, the Olympics and the Visa Mystery July 29, 2008 By Rodger Baker Something extraordinary is happening in China, and we are not talking about the Olympics. Rather, Chinese officials have been clamping down on visa applications and implementing bureaucratic impediments to new and renewed visa applications under the guise of pre-Olympic security. In some ways, Beijing’s plan for a safe and secure Olympics appears based on the premise that if no one shows up, there can be no trouble. But placing restrictions on the movement of managers and employees of foreign businesses operating in China, even if for a limited time as Chinese officials have…

This story is garnering wide attention among the defence news websites and blogs. http://38north.org/2013/11/lewis-schilling110513/ (38 North)

India floats out first Scorpene submarine (Jane's)